Laura J. Colker is an international author, lecturer, and trainer in early childhood education. She is the author, or coauthor, of over 150 publications and instructional guides and has contributed to the development of more than 40 educational videos and PBS programs. Dr. Colker is a coauthor of the widely used The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, now in its sixth edition, and High-Quality Early Childhood Programs: The What, Why, and How.
Derry Koralek spent more than 14 years writing and editing publications for National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). She was the editor-in-chief of Young Children, NAEYC’s peer-reviewed professional journal and creator and Editor-in-Chief of Teaching Young Children, a magazine for preschool educators. While at NAEYC, she served as chief publications officer, overseeing the publication of periodicals, books, and digital content. As the president of DGK & Company, she develops early childhood training materials and guidebooks for private groups and for state and federal clients. Derry is the coauthor of High-Quality Early Childhood Programs: The What, Why, and How.
Derry Koralek, chief publishing officer of NAEYC, oversees the development of all print and digital publishing, including books, brochures, periodicals, professional development guides, posters, and websites for educators and families. Derry is editor in chief of Young Children and TYC—Teaching Young Children.
Gayle Mindes, EdD, is professor of education at DePaul University in Chicago. She teaches preservice graduate studies with a focus in social studies.
